Rael and Arut, still stationed at the border, felt an unsettling tension in the air. They had been waiting for further orders, but a sense of foreboding kept gnawing at them. Rael, with her gentle intuition, sensed something was amiss. Arut, always alert, agreed that they should return to the Celestial Palace to understand what was happening.

Just as they were about to take flight, a cold wind swept through the area, and an enormous ice wall materialized around them, trapping them in a glistening, frosty arena. Leviathan emerged from the shadows, her presence commanding and unyielding. The ice demon's aura was palpable, a chilling reminder of her power.

"Going somewhere?" she asked, her voice laced with amusement. "I have information that might interest you. The truths and mysteries of the Creators."

Rael and Arut exchanged wary glances. Leviathan had always been a formidable foe, but this time, she seemed different calm, almost diplomatic.

"Why would you tell us anything?" Arut demanded, his fiery gaze fixed on her.

Leviathan smirked. "Because knowledge is power, and I enjoy a challenge. But there's a catch. I'll share everything I know if you can do something for me."

Rael, her curiosity piqued, asked, "What do you want from us?"

Leviathan's eyes gleamed with mischief. "Make me jealous."

Rael and Arut were taken aback by Leviathan's condition. The demon, known for her icy demeanor and ruthless tactics, now wanted them to evoke an emotion as complex as jealousy.

"Jealousy?" Rael echoed, confused. "Why?"

Leviathan chuckled. "Because envy is my domain, my power. To feel it deeply is a challenge even for me. Impress me, and I'll reveal everything."

Arut stepped forward, a thoughtful expression on his face. "Very well. Let's begin."

He turned to Rael, his eyes softening with genuine affection. "Rael, do you remember the first time we met?"

If you spot this narrative on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.

Rael smiled, nodding. "Yes, you were wounded, and I couldn't leave you to suffer, even though you were a demon."

Arut took her hand, the warmth of his touch contrasting the cold surroundings. "You've always been my light in the darkness, Rael. Your kindness, your strength—I've never known anyone like you."

Rael blushed, her heart fluttering. "Arut, you've shown me a world beyond our differences. Your courage, your loyalty you're not just a demon to me. You're my friend, my ally."

Leviathan watched, her eyes narrowing. She could feel the sincerity in their words, the bond they shared. For a moment, a flicker of envy sparked within her.

"Is that all?" she taunted, though her voice lacked its usual venom.

Rael and Arut looked at each other, then back at Leviathan. Arut leaned in closer to Rael, his voice low but clear. "Rael, there's something I've wanted to tell you for a long time."

Rael's eyes widened, her breath catching. "Arut?"

"I've fallen in love with you," Arut confessed, his voice trembling with emotion. "Your light, your compassion you're everything I've ever dreamed of. I can't imagine my life without you."

Rael's eyes filled with tears, her heart swelling with joy. "Arut, I... I feel the same way. I love you too."

Leviathan's heart clenched, a pang of genuine jealousy surging through her. She had never experienced such a deep, pure connection. The envy she felt was raw and real, more intense than she had ever known.

"Enough," Leviathan said, her voice strained. "You've succeeded. I'll tell you what you need to know."

The icy walls around them began to recede, the frigid air warming slightly. Leviathan's demeanor shifted, her usual coldness replaced with a begrudging respect. "The Creators left behind artifacts, keys to their power and knowledge. The book Gabriel found is one of them, but there are others, scattered and hidden in places like this grove."

Rael and Arut listened intently, their hands still intertwined.

Leviathan continued, "Michael is trapped in a realm beyond our own, a place where time and space are distorted. The Creators' symbols, like those on the altar Uriel found, are markers. They guide the way to these hidden realms. You must gather these artifacts and use them to navigate the path to Michael."

Rael nodded, her mind racing with the new information. "Thank you, Leviathan. We will find Michael and uncover the Creators' secrets."

Leviathan's gaze softened slightly. "Be careful. The path is treacherous, and you will face many dangers. But you have proven your strength and your bond. That will be your greatest weapon."

With that, Leviathan turned and faded into the shadows, leaving Rael and Arut standing in the now serene clearing. They looked at each other, a new determination in their eyes. They knew their mission was more urgent than ever, and together, they would face whatever challenges lay ahead.